A seat at the table

GEELONG is home to so many incredibly driven and dynamic women who are dedicated to making a positive impact in our community every day.

In every corner of our municipality, women are leading the way in our community groups, business sectors, arts and culture organisations, sports clubs, and volunteer organisations, making Greater Geelong a better place.

I am proud to champion their achievements and involvement in our region through my recent appointment as Deputy Chair of the Women in Community Life Advisory Committee (WiCLAC).

The committee was established by Council in 2013 and is responsible for providing advice to Council on matters relating to the participation, representation, leadership, recognition, safety, and wellbeing of women in the City of Greater Geelong.

It aims to positively contribute to the advancement of gender equity in the Geelong community, which is something I am incredibly passionate about.

It’s essential we incorporate this into our policies, strategies and projects to ensure the continued advancement of women in Greater Geelong.

Gender equity was one of our five key health and wellbeing priorities in Our Community Plan 2021–2025. Following on from this, the City’s inaugural Gender Equality Action Plan 2022–25 outlined our commitment to improving gender equality across our workforce and how we design and implement our policies, programs and services.

As an organisation, we have taken immense strides in working towards an equitable society for all genders.

The City employs more women than men, and many positions within our leadership team, including the CEO, are held by strong women.

We recognise, however, that this parity isn’t experienced by all women in the region.

Working in the family violence sector, I have witnessed the extreme end of gender discrimination.

Violence against women takes many forms, and with a growing understanding of coercive control, we are starting to recognise impacts beyond the physical.

Financial control, isolation from family and friends, gaslighting and interference with employment are all tactics deployed by a person using violence to create dependency and maintain control.

When deciding to leave, victim survivors may face the reality of poverty and escalating violence as a result. This is particularly evident in my work in other portfolios, especially as Chair of Social & Affordable Housing.

Part of my role in this portfolio is identifying the actions we must take to support those experiencing homelessness right here in our community.

Homelessness is a gendered issue, and women are more likely to use homelessness services.

This is in part due to gendered wage discrepancies and because more women and girls flee their homes due to instances of family and domestic violence.

While joining WICLAC won’t solve these issues directly, they speak to a broad picture of social and gendered issues faced in our country today.

Women and girls deserve equal opportunities to thrive in all aspects of life – education, the workforce, social participation and political engagement.

Empowering women is not just a matter of justice; it’s essential for the wellbeing and prosperity of our entire community.

I look forward to supporting the committee in its continued mission, to promote equality, inclusion and respect for women in Greater Geelong.

Cr Emma Sinclair

Charlemont Ward,

City of Greater Geelong